Temporary power for data centres
Construction-phase, commissioning and bridging power for data centres, built from synchronised 1,250 kVA modules with N+1, N+2 or 2N planning, MV step-up and fuel autonomy sized to the risk.
When does a data centre need temporary power?
Four situations: during construction, during commissioning and testing, as bridging power when the building is ready before the grid connection, and as cover while permanent generators or switchgear are maintained or replaced. Each needs a different level of redundancy and fuel autonomy.
| Stage | What the power supplies | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Site facilities, tower cranes, early MEP work | Capacity that grows with the site |
| Commissioning | Temporary supplies around testing; generators proven with load banks | Flexible connection points, stable voltage |
| Bridging power | Critical IT and cooling before grid energisation | Redundancy per the operator's design standard, fuel autonomy, transfer plan |
| Maintenance cover | Load while permanent generators or switchgear are out | Temporary connection and changeover procedure |
What redundancy does data centre temporary power need?
Redundancy for temporary data-centre power is determined by the operator's design standard, existing A/B architecture, acceptable outage risk and project requirements. Depending on the project this may be N, N+1, N+2, 2N or another topology; the rental plant is configured to match it.
What has to be engineered for a data centre rental plant?
Beyond megawatts: load steps from UPS and cooling, transfer to and from the permanent system, MV connection, fuel autonomy and monitoring. These are defined in the load study before any unit count is fixed.
| Topic | What we check |
|---|---|
| Load steps | Largest block load from UPS, chillers and pumps against the plant's step-load capability |
| Transfer (ATS/changeover) | How load moves between temporary plant, grid and permanent generators |
| Synchronisation | Common bus, load sharing, automatic start of standby modules |
| LV / MV | Connection voltage, step-up transformers, protection coordination |
| Fuel autonomy | Hours of running from on-site storage, delivery plan |
| Testing | Load bank testing and proving on load before handover |
| Monitoring | Remote alarms and maintenance for the full term |
What can SINTAQA supply for a data centre project?
Rental plants built from new 1,250 kVA modules (Cummins engine, Stamford alternator, 50 or 60 Hz) with synchronising controls, step-up transformers, cabling, bulk fuel, commissioning and O&M. For permanent standby plants we engineer generator packages under EPC.
Data centre power: FAQ
Can rental generators power a data centre before the grid connection is ready?
Yes. A synchronised rental plant can supply construction loads, early IT halls or the whole facility until the utility connection and permanent generators are in service. Redundancy, transfer arrangements and fuel autonomy have to match the risk the operator accepts during that period.
What redundancy do data centres use for generators?
It depends on the operator's design standard, risk tolerance and existing A/B power architecture: N, N+1, N+2, 2N or another topology. A Tier classification is not set by generator count alone; the topology, distribution paths and maintainability or fault-tolerance criteria all matter.
Can temporary generators support integrated systems testing?
Rental generators can supply commissioning power and temporary supplies around testing activities; load banks are used to prove generators on load. The test programme is set by the commissioning agent and the operator.
How do generators handle data centre load steps?
Diesel generators accept load in steps, and the size of the step they can take depends on the engine and alternator. Large UPS systems and cooling plant are sequenced so that each step stays within the plant's capability; this is checked in the load study.
Technical content prepared and reviewed by the SINTAQA Engineering Team, Dubai. Last updated September 2026. Configurations shown are indicative; every project is engineered to its own load, site and standards.
Discuss data centre power
Tell us the stage, IT and mechanical load, redundancy target and timeline. We will propose a configuration.